Los Angeles Dodgers vs Pittsburgh Pirates Prediction, Preview - 6/9/2026
Updated 09 Jul, 2026
The Los Angeles Dodgers open a three-game series at PNC Park on Tuesday night against a Pittsburgh Pirates club that has been one of the pleasant surprises in the National League. Los Angeles enters the game with a 42-24 record and one of the best run differentials in baseball, while Pittsburgh sits above .500 at 34-32 and remains firmly in the postseason picture. The headline attraction is Pirates ace Paul Skenes taking the ball against the dangerous lineup of the Dodgers, in a game that will have the attention of the baseball world on Tuesday.
I'm projecting a low-scoring game built around the starting pitching edge for the Pirates. While the Dodgers own stronger season-long offensive and pitching numbers, the specific matchup favors Pittsburgh. Skenes has posted a 3.09 ERA, 0.91 WHIP, and 82 strikeouts in 70 innings. Lauer has allowed 13 home runs in 47 innings and carries a 5.74 ERA into one of the toughest road assignments in the National League.
The Pirates have dramatically improved at the plate in 2026, ranking among the better offenses in baseball in batting average, on-base percentage, and OPS. Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, and Brandon Lowe have helped transform Pittsburgh from a below-average offense into a legitimate threat. Los Angeles remains the more complete team overall, but with Skenes on the mound at home and the Dodgers dealing with several key injuries, the value side is Pittsburgh in a game that could be decided by a single swing late.
Parlay Odds: +370
The foundation of this parlay is Skenes. He has recorded 82 strikeouts in 70 innings and faces a Dodgers lineup that remains dangerous but is missing some key contributors. If Skenes controls the game, the under becomes attractive, and Pittsburgh's chances of securing the victory rise substantially. Current market pricing has Pittsburgh as a slight favorite in a game with a total of 7.5 to 8 runs.
Pick: Oneil Cruz to hit a home run +340
Cruz remains one of the premier power threats in the Pirates lineup. Lauer has surrendered 13 home runs in only 47 innings this season, and Cruz's ability to drive the ball to all fields makes him an appealing home run target in this matchup. Pittsburgh's offensive growth has been fueled by improved power production, and Cruz is a major reason why.
Category | Dodgers | Pirates |
|---|---|---|
Batting Average | .262 | .253 |
OPS | .784 | .734 |
wOBA | .345 | .328 |
wRC+ | 120 | 106 |
Team ERA | 3.17 | 4.06 |
xFIP | 3.64 | 4.01 |
Los Angeles owns the stronger overall statistical resume and has been one of baseball's elite clubs through the first two months of the season. However, baseball is often about the specific matchup rather than season-long numbers. Skenes gives Pittsburgh a major edge on the mound, and the Pirates have developed into a much more productive offense than the version seen in 2025.
Our projected outcome is a tightly contested game with limited scoring opportunities. Skenes should be able to neutralize much of the Dodgers lineup, while Pittsburgh's improved offense does enough damage against Lauer to earn a victory. My recommendation is taking Pittsburgh on the moneyline, with a projected final score of Pirates 4, Dodgers 3.
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